(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)
Lead paint is nasty stuff. If you live in a home built before 1978, it’s very likely that layers of lead paint lurk on the windowsills, trim around the doorway, or walls. Not knowing if you have it in your home is scary — especially if you are pregnant or have children — so it’s worth finding out. Inexpensive kits are widely available, and testing is easy, so fork over the $10, be the responsible human you are, and put your mind to ease.
Maybe you love the look of a canopy bed, but can’t afford to buy new furniture. (Hey, beds are expensive). Or maybe you really like your current bed, but want to give it a bit of a romantic makeover. Here’s an Apartment Therapy guide to DIYing your way to canopy bliss.
(Image credit: Submitted by Britt)
Britt picked up this little chair despite its layers of paint and funky (in every sense of the word) vinyl cushion. After some sanding, polishing and waxing she got the frame into pretty good shape, but decided to take the seat in an entirely new direction.
Anyone who has both pets and hardwood floors know that these two things don’t always go hand and hand. However, nobody wants to give up their family’s four-legged friend or their home’s striking hardwood flooring. Can you have both and allow them to exist in harmony? Read on to find out.
Fortunately, the answer is yes. However, you must make sure you’re purchasing the best hardwood flooring for the job. Choose hard hardwood or hardwood that ranked high on the Janka Hardness Test. Engineers use the Janka Hardness Test to measure the force needed to dent wood with a small steel ball. Some woods hold up great, others not so well. The higher a wood’s Janka rating, the tougher the wood is against forces, scratches, and stains. In other words, a hardwood flooring with a high Janka rating will hold up well against your pets.
The following floors are some of the most popular hardwood flooring options used in homes across the country. Below they are ranked by hardness based on their Janka rating. The list goes from softest to hardest:
Bamboo, Bolivian Rosewood, and Brazilian Walnut/Ipe are some of the best hardwood flooring options to have in your home if you have a pet (or heavy furniture, accident-prone children, etc.). If you already have hardwood flooring in your home and have one of these flooring options already, you’re good to go. However, those with American Cherry flooring, or another low-ranking hardwood floor option, may want to reconsider their home’s flooring.
At flooring.org, we have a wide selection of hard hardwood floors that will hold up well against just about anything, including the family pet. Our affordably priced flooring options and fantastic customer service team will gladly work with you to pair the perfect floors with your home and your family’s needs. To get in touch with us, please give us a call at 1-800-689-9006, or send us an email at [email protected].
(Image credit: Claire from Pillar Box Blue )
Not all bathroom projects have to be major upgrades, sometimes a simple change can add a little bit of extra functionality and a lot of charm. Claire needed more storage but wasn’t particularly keen on running out to the store for a quick fix. After fate threw this vintage drawer into her path, it became clear that she was about to find her storage solution.
There are lots of distinct directions in which an apartment renovation can go and frequently it is defined by accessible area, design and the distinct requirements of the property owners.
Nestled in an aging constructing in Hong Kong, the Satisfied Valley Residence is a 3-bedroom apartment…
There are lots of distinct directions in which an apartment renovation can go and frequently it is defined by accessible area, design and the distinct requirements of the property owners.
Nestled in an aging constructing in Hong Kong, the Satisfied Valley Residence is a 3-bedroom apartment spread in excess of 1206 square feet and was in urgent require of a present day makeover. As with most apartment revamps, Lim + Lu made a decision to adopt a neutral backdrop in white for the new interior even whilst carrying out away with rigid walls and needless internal partitions. But that is the place the similarities stop as this comforting and ravishing home combines rather pastels with exquisite jewel tones to create a genuinely spellbinding setting!
Revamped contemporary apartment in Hong Kong by Lim + Lu
Even however it is the wonderful light pinks in the residing room, pastel blue and brilliant metallics that immediately grab your attentions, this adaptable and ingenious apartment is about considerably much more than mere aesthetics. A new, versatile floor strategy sees the bedroom and the living region following to one one more with suspended glass and black powder coated stainless steel sliding doors separating that spaces. Sliding doors also develop a modest, private space up coming to the residing region that can be employed as a guest space, added family members room or even a residence workplace when necessary.
Adaptable residing room and guest room of the trendy Hong Kong apartment
Jewel-toned green drapes and pastels create a lovely interior
Pastel pink and bright blue create a vivacious interior
Versatile and contemporary interior of Hong Kong apartment
White kitchen and dining with tiled beauty
Daring brass base of the modest breakfast table
Modern white kitchen with black and white tiled backdrop
With a continuous oak floor, stunning splashes of jade green and exclusive black and white tiles in the kitchen that carry visual contrast each and every corner of this revitalized apartment has anything new to supply. A smart kitchen in white, comfy dining area, minimalist bedrooms and stroll-in closet comprehensive this wonderful home in Hong Kong. [Photography: Nirut Benjabanpot]
Serene bedroom in white with dark, framed partitions that usher in light
Easy and minimum bedroom concept with black powder coated stainless steel sliding doors
Warm metallics deliver brightness to the elegant powder room
Glam powder area notion in jewel-toned green and white
Progressive decorative pieces carry vibrant metallics to the neutral interior
Floor prepare of the revamped apartment in Hong Kong
Adaptable, Adaptable residing room, Apartment, Both, Dazzling, Embraces, guest room, Jewel, lovely interior, Pastels, Revamp, Tones, trendy Hong Kong apartment
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Filed under: Home Decorating 
No matter how large or small your outdoor space, there are easy ways to turn it into your new favorite hangout area.
FOR LARGE AREAS | DEFINE & FILL THE SPACE
The backyard oasis and grand patio–these are two of the favorite things about your home, but you’re ready to take the patio up a notch. We’ll get back to the basics first.
Outdoor furniture with substance, like sturdy wicker designs with extra thick cushions are best bets for larger spaces. TIP: If you’ve already got great patio furniture, new patio cushions can give a quick makeover with minimal effort.
A weather-resistant outdoor rug will do wonders to add coziness and establish a foundational color theme.
Adding an umbrella will help define your main outdoor living space-as well as provide much-needed shade. TIP: Self-standing umbrellas add a layer of flexibility, so you can rearrange and adjust as needed.
FOR SMALL AREAS | NATURE-INSPIRED ACCENTS & A MAXIMIZED SPACE
The great outdoors can be enjoyed whether you’re living in an apartment, townhouse or other small space. Regardless the size, you can create perfectly wonderful living areas on your patio or balcony.
1. Add some flora and fauna with decorative patio pieces.
2. Stacking chairs are perfect for making the most of a snug space.
3. A serving tray that doubles as a table makes entertaining so much easier. When guests are gone, just fold it up and store it away. Or, try a compact metal end table with an unexpected pop of color.
GO ON. ENJOY IT!
Invite some friends over for a spectacular dinner al fresco.
Get the grill fired up & ready for outdoor cooking. There are so many deliciously easy recipes to try. A new tool we love is this veggie basket. It is, hands-down, the easiest way to grill veggies to perfection.
Set the scene with colorful place settings, pitchers & beverage dispensers.
And don’t forget about the outdoor lighting. Every good host knows lanterns, patio lights and candles provide the best backdrop for lively conversations and laughter.
Probably the most important thing to keep in mind is that this is your retreat. There are no wrong decisions as long as you’re staying true to what makes you happy.
We’d love to hear and see how you’ve transformed your outdoor space. Share with us using #AtHomeFinds!
The post Creating an Outdoor Retreat appeared first on At Home Blog.
Today we’re excited to share a new collection of country window treatments from our friends at Park Designs. The plaid pattern offers a traditional country look in wine or black.
Shop the entire collection here!
Refreshing Drink Stations for Every Style & Occasion
As temperatures heat up, festive drinks are the perfect way to cool down. Give your summer parties the perfect final touch with these fun ideas for drink stations, no matter the occasion.
Casual
This laid-back style is perfect for family-friendly backyard barbecues. Fill colorful tubs up with the kids’ favorite sodas and the adults’ favorite brews to allow everyone to serve themselves, and give your summertime get-together the casual vibe you’re looking for.
Be sure to center this drink station around a seating area to keep guests cool while they catch up. Plus, having a tall pitcher of fresh-squeezed lemonade on hand is a great touch for a hot summer day. (But if your lemonade is store-bought, we won’t tell!)
Get the Look:
Coastal
Bring the beach to your backyard with a coastal drink station. This summer style is perfect for a casual lunch with friends or an outdoor dinner party. Shades of blue are an essential part of this look – just the right tones mixed together are reminiscent of ocean waters.
Grab a drink dispenser and coastal accents to complete this setup – a sprinkling of seashells or starfish is a great touch! You can also give your dispenser a boost for tall glasses by placing it on top of an upside-down planter. Serve refreshing drinks like lemonade, sweet tea or fruit-infused water to keep your guests cool in the summer heat.
Get the Look:
Glam
Get ready for a great girls’ night with this drink station setup. The glam look is all about fun, metallic accents with pops of color. A mirrored tray, festive glasses and a hint of floral are the accents that top it off!
Your friends will love getting together to sip on summer cocktails or their favorite wine. This setup will look fabulous on your kitchen counters, a table or a stylish bar cart.
Get the Look:
No matter your style, these drink stations are sure to please and will give your party that extra pop!
Try out these trends and share your creations with #AtHomeFinds.
The post Summertime Sips appeared first on At Home Blog.
There are lots of distinct directions in which an apartment renovation can go and frequently it is defined by accessible area, design and the distinct requirements of the property owners.
Nestled in an aging constructing in Hong Kong, the Satisfied Valley Residence is a 3-bedroom apartment…
There are lots of distinct directions in which an apartment renovation can go and frequently it is defined by accessible area, design and the distinct requirements of the property owners.
Nestled in an aging constructing in Hong Kong, the Satisfied Valley Residence is a 3-bedroom apartment spread in excess of 1206 square feet and was in urgent require of a present day makeover. As with most apartment revamps, Lim + Lu made a decision to adopt a neutral backdrop in white for the new interior even whilst carrying out away with rigid walls and needless internal partitions. But that is the place the similarities stop as this comforting and ravishing home combines rather pastels with exquisite jewel tones to create a genuinely spellbinding setting!
Revamped contemporary apartment in Hong Kong by Lim + Lu
Even however it is the wonderful light pinks in the residing room, pastel blue and brilliant metallics that immediately grab your attentions, this adaptable and ingenious apartment is about considerably much more than mere aesthetics. A new, versatile floor strategy sees the bedroom and the living region following to one one more with suspended glass and black powder coated stainless steel sliding doors separating that spaces. Sliding doors also develop a modest, private space up coming to the residing region that can be employed as a guest space, added family members room or even a residence workplace when necessary.
Adaptable residing room and guest room of the trendy Hong Kong apartmentJewel-toned green drapes and pastels create a lovely interiorPastel pink and bright blue create a vivacious interiorVersatile and contemporary interior of Hong Kong apartmentWhite kitchen and dining with tiled beautyDaring brass base of the modest breakfast tableModern white kitchen with black and white tiled backdrop
With a continuous oak floor, stunning splashes of jade green and exclusive black and white tiles in the kitchen that carry visual contrast each and every corner of this revitalized apartment has anything new to supply. A smart kitchen in white, comfy dining area, minimalist bedrooms and stroll-in closet comprehensive this wonderful home in Hong Kong. [Photography: Nirut Benjabanpot]
Serene bedroom in white with dark, framed partitions that usher in lightEasy and minimum bedroom concept with black powder coated stainless steel sliding doorsWarm metallics deliver brightness to the elegant powder roomGlam powder area notion in jewel-toned green and whiteProgressive decorative pieces carry vibrant metallics to the neutral interiorFloor prepare of the revamped apartment in Hong Kong
Adaptable, Adaptable residing room, Apartment, Both, Dazzling, Embraces, guest room, Jewel, lovely interior, Pastels, Revamp, Tones, trendy Hong Kong apartment
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Filed under: Home Decorating
Memorial Day is a national day or remembrance as well as the unofficial kickoff of summer. Translation: party time! Whether you’re throwing a backyard bash or just chillin’ with some friends on your apartments patio, these items can help you hose a Memorial Day party to remember.
Red, White and Oh, So You
Memorial Day only comes once a year, so why not make the most of it? Show off your patriotic pride with splashes of red, white and blue decor on your walls, patio and in your yard.
Let’s Take It Outside
Memorial Day is one of those holidays that always ends in the backyard with someone spinning pinwheels or twirling a baton. Enjoy those patriotic moments in style with these comfortable furniture selections.
You Go, Grill
Who wants to be cooped up in a kitchen when you can grill delicious meals in the great outdoors? Our grill accessories can help you craft those delicious seared flavors we always associate with summer.
Light Up the Night
Your party doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. Extend the festivities into the wee hours with holiday-themed lighting that pays respect to Old Glory. Plus, find the perfect lantern, many of them less than $19.99.
A Feast-ive Occasion
Bless this country, bless this meat, now out of the way, ‘cuz it’s time to eat! The best part of any Memorial Day party is the food and drink, so make sure your holiday spread is memorable.
Did you throw a Memorial Day party that should go down in history? We’d love to see!
Tag us at #AtHomeFinds
The post Memorial Day Party to Remember appeared first on At Home Blog.
Find here best dining room decorating ideas and designs by Clark and Clark Interiors, Who is one of the best interior designers and decorators in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States.
If you have a previous experience with dining room designs by Clark and Clark Interiors, please leave your review in a comment and share our readers your experience.
(Image credit: Amy Bartlam for Homepolish)
Some people might consider curtains a luxury, others a necessity. If you think about the many benefits that curtains provide, I’d err on the side of necessity. Sure they make a great design statement in a room, but they also can give the illusion of larger windows, create privacy, block out hot summer sun, add a layer between cold winter drafts, and get a nursery ready for nap time. But not all styles, windows, and budgets are alike, so when it comes to curtains, don’t shy away from making them yourself, either completely from scratch or with the help of existing materials. Here’s a roundup of project ideas to get you started…
Find here best dining room decorating ideas and designs by Lindsey Cheek Interiors, Who is one of the best interior designers and decorators in Wilmington, North Carolina, United States.
If you have a previous experience with dining room designs by Lindsey Cheek Interiors, please leave your review in a comment and share our readers your experience.
Find here best dining room decorating ideas and designs by Dana Frieling Interiors, Who is one of the best interior designers and decorators in Southlake, Texas, United States.
If you have a previous experience with dining room designs by Dana Frieling Interiors, please leave your review in a comment and share our readers your experience.